Beschreibungen

The 2016/17 season marked the 25th of the Premier League. This book recognises that fact in a way which is factually accurate yet dismissive of reputations and hype. It recognises the achievements of Swindon and Barnsley as much as Manchester United and Chelsea, and sneaks in references to borg drones from Star Trek, Oscar Wilde, Nirvana and Red Dwarf alongside analysis of the songs and seasons. Notts County fan Billy Ivory's foreword sets a tone of bitter irony as the story (shocked back to life by Leicester City) is told in unconventional fashion. Fans of all 49 teams who've been involved in Premier League have their say, except for Huddersfield (due to publishing deadlines), although we feel sure Patrick Stewart will want this one for Christmas...The Premier League charts each of the 25 seasons with the story of how the titles were won and the players who starred. From 2011/12's incredible finale, to Arsenal's "Invincibles", as well as each of Manchester United's record 13 triumphs, find out more about the rich history of the Premier League.

Lloyd has been publishing books at the rate of one every 364 days for 20 years. For most of these years he has worked closely with Mr Urbane, Matthew Smith. Starting with a book on teaching using the internet in 1999, they have collaborated on books concerning the football World Cup (2002) and European Championships (2004 and 2016), the global impact of terrorism (2003), and a biography of the world's greatest ever footballer (2005). Despite writing academically respected tomes on international relations, political theory, environmental politics, democratisation, security studies, foreign policy (and so on) he has never been happier than when Mr Smith dangles a football book in front of him. So, now shakily established as Urbane's "sport billy" his latest project offers a sideways, critical and informative look at all the clubs who have ever played in the self-styled 'best league in the world': the English Premier League. That turns out to be a majority of the football league. Liaising with fans across the country, and contractually obliged to tone down the digs at Pompey and Man Utd, this promises to be a book for football fans everywhere, especially those wondering what to buy their son, daughter, mother, father, uncle, aunt (etc) for Christmas, 2017.